Political economist Pat Utomi has harshly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s government, asserting that current conditions in Nigeria are more dire than during the military regime of Sani Abacha. Utomi shared these views on Nigeria Info 99.3FM while analyzing the country’s situation alongside recent critiques from the Catholic Bishops of Nigeria.
He noted that the distress voiced by Catholic leadership mirrors the sentiments of the general population. Utomi explained that the Catholic Church employs a rigorous, structured method to formulate its stances on national affairs. This process involves groups like the Justice, Development and Peace Commission evaluating public issues before they reach the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria (CBCN).
According to Utomi, the bishops convened prior to meeting with the president. He stated that the address given by Cardinal John Onaiyekan serves as an accurate representation of the bishops’ shared viewpoint. Regarding the comparison to the Abacha years, Utomi blamed the 1998 transition from military rule to democracy for contributing to the nation’s ongoing difficulties. He maintained that there is no uncertainty regarding his belief that the nation is in a significantly worse state today.
